Pesticide Residues in Egyptian Strawberries Inspected at the EU Border (2021-2024)

The increasing reliance of the European Union on strawberry imports from North African countries, particularly Egypt, underscores the necessity of systematic monitoring of these commodities for pesticide residues prior to their placement on the EU market. This study evaluated pesticide residues in Egyptian strawberries inspected at the Polish border between 2021 and 2024. Detection rates rose sharply from 63% in 2022 to over 90% in 2023-2024, although a subset of samples each year contained no detectable residues (1 sample in 2021 and 2024; 2 in 2022), confirming that pesticide-free production is achievable. Fosetyl-aluminium was the most frequently identified compound, followed by bromide ion, azoxystrobin, and boscalid. Eleven exceedances of maximum residue levels (MRLs) were recorded, involving substances not approved in the EU due to carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or endocrine-disrupting properties. Multiple-residue presence was common, with up to eleven pesticides detected in a single sample. The findings highlight the need for broader surveillance, stricter enforcement, and support for sustainable pest management in exporting countries.